Information-design guru Edward Tufte to speak on forthcoming book

The renowned theorist of analytical design, Yale University Professor Emeritus Edward Tufte, is scheduled to lecture on his forthcoming book, Beautiful Evidence, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in McCaw Hall at the Arrillaga Alumni Center; a short reception will follow. The event is free and open to the public.

Beautiful Evidence develops the fundamental theory of analytical design and proposes methods for displaying nearly every type of evidence (time series, images, causal arrows, data tables and statistical graphics). His discussion will include his analysis that appeared in the final report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Review Board of the Boeing/NASA PowerPoint slides created after the Columbia was damaged but still aloft.

Tufte has written seven books, including Visual Explanations, Envisioning Information, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information and Data Analysis for Politics and Policy. Together they have received more than 40 awards for content and design. At Yale, he taught courses in statistical evidence, analytical design and interface design. In addition to his book, his current work includes sculpture, photography, video and printmaking.

The event has been organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning and is co-sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the following Stanford offices: Information Technology Systems and Services; Office of Science Outreach; Stanford Continuing Studies; SUMMIT/IRT, School of Medicine; and the Technical Communications Program in the School of Engineering.